| 1992-?? Dodge Viper |
2001 Viper GTS/ACR
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In the 80's, Chrysler realized that there was a growing market for sports cars, and
in an effort to build on its growing revival; they decided to produce not any ol'
sports car, but the ultimate "statement" car. The viper project became a test bed
for many of Chrysler's new technologies in both vehicle design and in production
technology. The project was taken from concept to production in just a few short
years. The car was, and still is, a huge success for Dodge & Chrysler. The original
Viper was a roadster, with an about useless soft-top. The car was designed following
Carol Shelby's ideas with the original Cobra's of the 60's. Provide a no frills
basic & light frame and body, and put one massive engine in it. Do as little as
possible to separate the driver from the driving experience. Its not hard to
see the similarities between the cobra's of old and the viper. Some people (Including
many in the auto press) feel the car is too raw, but to some, that is exactly
what they want.
In 1996 a coupe version of the Viper was introduced, the GTS. It boosted horsepower
to 450 (up from 400) and actually added some driver comforts like A/C standard, The
car also upped the performance with updated suspension and some other goodies. These
changes also found their way to the roadster (RT/10). And to show case their sports car,
Dodge went racing in the sports car series. In 1997, they won the championship with
some impressive wins. To celebrate in 1998, a commerative version of the viper, the
GTS-R was produced with the factory-racing wing, painted in white and with an
additional 10 HP. Only 100 of these were produced. The ACR, another racing variant
with no fog lights, A/C removed (but could be ordered back on), racing harnesses,
and the extra 10 HP, was introduced in 2000. In 2003, the Viper went through its
2nd overhaul, this time, everything was redesigned. 500 cid, 500+ HP, and 500+
ft-lbs of torque. Redesigned body, and a whole lot more of the raw racecar.
A coupe is in the works, but no timeline given.
|
| |
| Wheelbase |
96.2 in |
| Length |
176.7 in |
| Width |
75.7 in |
| Height |
47.0 in |
| Curb Weight |
3460 lbs |
| |
| Engine |
488 cid 460 bhp @ 5200 rpm |
| 0-60 mph |
4.2 sec |
| 1/4 Mile |
12.3 @ 116 mph |
| Top Speed |
~180 mph |
| Breaking 60-0 mph |
155 ft |
| Fuel Mileage |
12-21 mpg (Premium)
|
